Form and Force — Robin Song

Project overview

This project investigates the correspondence between force and form through graphic statics, looking for a new design method that inverts form by designing force diagrams.

Force corresponds to form and can be vectorized, which leads to graphic statics. The information age has transformed engineering design with computer-aided graphics, offering convenience and precision. Today’s architectural innovation is challenged to fuse form and mechanics, prompting scholars and practitioners to revive graphic statics as a vital tool in architectural education and practice.

2D topology experiments

Two-dimensional form and force diagram experiments — 2D topology experiments.

3D topology experiments

Unlike in 2D, the force diagram in 3D graphic statics is represented by a surface rather than a vector: the surface normal gives the direction of the force and its area gives the magnitude. Every form diagram has a corresponding force diagram — so we can design the force diagram to deduce the form, inverting the usual process of deriving the force diagram from the form for validation.

Three-dimensional form and force diagram experiments — 3D topology experiments.

Master plan

From cells to form

In Grasshopper, I built a series of cells from precise surfaces, each aligned with an accurate form. The Polyframe plugin then calculates the internal forces, from which the final form emerges.

Force and form diagrams for each part of the building — The reflection of each part.

Renders

Rendered with the assistance of the AI tool Stable Diffusion.

Rendered views of the building — Renders.

Interior with branching structural columns — Interior view I.

Interior with branching columns and circular skylights — Interior view II.